A Wiscasset man is facing two felony charges of domestic violence following an alleged altercation on Biscay Road in Damariscotta, Oct. 31.
According to Damariscotta Police Chief Ron Young, Graham DeLeo, 20, was arrested after a witness observed an altercation between DeLeo and a 23-year-old Wiscasset woman around 10:43 a.m.
According to the police report, the woman told police DeLeo was driving her to an appointment in Damariscotta when an argument escalated. She alleged DeLeo grabbed her hair and pulled it, resulting in her banging her head in the interior of the car, according to the report.
The vehicle stopped at Biscay Orchards, where both parties exited the vehicle and a short foot pursuit ensued. According to the police report, the woman alleged she was attempting to flee when DeLeo grabbed her arms and tried to drag her back to the vehicle. The woman threw herself to the ground in self defense. The altercation at the orchard was witnessed by a third party who called police.
Damariscotta Officer Jason Warlick responded to the scene. In his report, Warlick noted observing a reddened left ear on the woman and marks on her throat area. By the time Warlick arrived, DeLeo had left the scene.
After an extensive search of the area involving Damariscotta and Waldoboro Police and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, LCSO Deputy Matt Day arrested DeLeo in Bremen.
DeLeo was subsequently transported to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset where he remains at press time. He was charged with two counts, based on the woman’s allegations of assault.
Damariscotta Police Chief Ron Young praised the cooperation of the Waldoboro Police and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in making this arrest. Domestic violence is a serious public health concern, Young said, one that his department takes seriously.
“It is high priority for us and it could definitely lead to more serious situations and injuries,” Young said. “We have a mandatory ‘shall arrest’ policy. It is very important and a very sad situation for everybody. If someone gets to the point where they are laying hands on somebody, I would say that relationship is over.”
